Sydney, Australia , 1st August 2025
LifeHealthcare is proud to announce the official launch of VB Spine in Australia and New Zealand, following the global acquisition of Stryker’s U.S. spine implant business by Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC. This announcement, as issued in a formal press release today, marks the first integration of VB Spine outside the United States.
VB Spine was established on 1 April 2025, created to bring dedicated attention to spinal implants, backed by the Viscogliosi brothers’ long-standing investment in musculoskeletal innovation. The expansion into Australia and New Zealand is a significant step forward for the business and signals the strategic importance of this region.
“VB Spine’s entry into the ANZ market is more than a business transition — it’s a commitment to ongoing innovation, patient-first care, and reliable partnerships. Since 2010, we’ve supported this portfolio through K2M and later Stryker Spine. We’re proud to continue as the exclusive distributor and excited for what the future holds under VB Spine’s focused direction.”
Paul Petherbridge, CEO of LifeHealthcare.
Seamless continuity for surgeons and patients
It is understood under the new structure, VB Spine and Stryker will continue to work in close partnership, with VB Spine retaining exclusive access to Stryker Smart Guidance Enabling Technology Suite.
Importantly, LifeHealthcare will remain the exclusive distributor for VB Spine products across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring uninterrupted access and clinical support for surgeons and hospitals.
Key transition details include:
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No disruption to product availability: All current Stryker spine implant SKUs remain accessible through LifeHealthcare.
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Continued local representation: Existing LifeHealthcare teams will support all customers and clinicians.
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Strategic continuity: VB Spine and Stryker maintain their partnership, reinforcing technological integration in robotic-assisted surgery.
VB Spine to attend the 15th year Deformity Down Under (DDU)
This year the LifeHealthcare spine team along with their colleagues in professional education will bring to QLD another year of surgical conversation at Deformity Down Under (DDU) meeting in Brisbane.
To further demonstrate its commitment to clinician engagement and ongoing education, VB Spine will participate in this important ANZ educaitonal gathering.
DDU, founded by surgeons, promotes collaboration, the sharing of clinical knowledge, and the advancement of spine care outcomes.
A shared vision for spine in ANZ
LifeHealthcare has established over the last nearly 2 decades of support in the Australian and New Zealand market its ability to distribute and support clinicans with expertise in spinal implants. VB Spine’s exclusive focus on spinal implants, positions the partnership to deliver meaningful innovations and enhanced outcomes for patients.
Our partnership with VB Spine aligns perfectly with our mission for Spine in ANZ: ‘What matters to you drives us,’ said Petherbridge. We look forward to working closely with the Viscogliosi brothers and the VB Spine team to bring forward-thinking solutions and education to our clinical partners.
Learn More
To stay up to date with the latest developments, product information, and clinical education events, register to access our HCP portal here
For customer support and enquries, please contact your local LifeHealthcare representative.
